April 28, 2004

Holy Cross Students to Present Environmental Research at Worcester's Earth Day Celebration

WORCESTER, Mass. – As part of Worcester’s Earth Day celebration at Crystal Park (Main Street) on May 2, from 1 – 5 p.m., Holy Cross students enrolled in an environmental mathematics course will present their research project results. In addition, they will be cleaning up Southbridge Street, near the Holy Cross campus, on Saturday, May 1.

Student projects spanned a variety of topics, each addressing an important environmental issue in Worcester. A community-based learning course, projects were completed in collaboration with various local environmental agencies, including the Regional Environmental Council, the EcoTarium, the Massachusetts Audubon Society and the Department of Public Works. Some of this year’s projects included:

• investigating the links between Worcester’s asthma rate and income level
• examining the dangers of mercury in area households
• assisting the Department of Public Works with drain stenciling projects to alert the public of the run-off to local rivers
• working with the EcoTarium to monitor visitor traffic
• examining litter and recycling in Worcester
• monitoring the water quality of the Middle River for the Massachusetts Audubon Society

The environmental studies program at Holy Cross is a multidisciplinary, student-designed minor run through the Center for Interdisciplinary and Special Studies. The aim of environmental studies is to allow students to assemble a series of courses that bridge two or more disciplines and that provides a comprehensive understanding of environmental issues.

For additional information contact Cristal Perriello at 508.793.2419